New shoes for my 4" .357

1578 Views 11 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Colt38, Jul 6, 2006

Nframe_is_no1

Discussion Starter · Jul 2, 2006

New shoes for my 4\" .357

I bought this 1954 4" ".357" model several years ago. Finish is at least 95%, but the only thing wrong with it was someone had replaced the target stocks with Pachmeyers. This has bugged me since I've owned it, and I have been searching for an original set of fully checkered targets (that I could afford) for it ever since. I know it had target stocks because it has the target hammer, and above the Pacs, there was a small line in the side plate where the wood stocks once were. Also, the side plate screw that is covered by the grips is of the flat-headed type. Yesterday, I found this set of smooth targets in the grip drawer of a local dealer. I am pretty certain that they are of proper vintage for a 1954 gun because there is no cartridge ejection relief cut in the top. My question is, have you guys ever heard of Colt smooth targets during this time period? I had never seen a pair until yesterday until yesterday. Am I correct about the vintage? I paid $38 for them, which I thought was a good deal. Here's a pic, it appears my search is over!

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Nframe_is_no1

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 3, 2006

Re: New shoes for my 4\" .357

Thanks for the kind replies!

Bud,
The screw is a small diameter, not much fatter than a pin, both the screw and the escutcheon are blued. Does the presence of the bluing mean that they weren't sanded?

BTW, I forgot to mention that mine has the two-tone finish. The cylinder flutes, topstrap, underside of the triggerguard, and grip frame are matte, the rest of the gun is polished. Mine has a four-digit serial, 63xx.

P.S.
I also got a newer pair that has the ejection relief, but it needs a screw. I tried a screw from a worn-out pair of O.P. service stocks, but it was too short. Any idea where to get a screw?

Thanks!
Paul

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Nframe_is_no1

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 3, 2006

Re: New shoes for my 4\" .357

Thanks for checking on the screw!

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Nframe_is_no1

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jul 4, 2006

Re: New shoes for my 4\" .357

Thanks to all for the info.
dfariswheel,
I see what you mean about the position of the medallion. I was sure that these were first type grips. I don't think I will go through the trouble of having them recheckered. Whatever that would cost could go towards paying for an original set. At least they're period correct though!

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